Mark Twain Lake Fishing Prospects Report for 2008

The 2008 fishing prospects report for Mark Twain Lake is put together by the lake's Fisheries Management Biologist, Ross Dames of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Mark Twain Lake (Northeast Region)

Information: 573/248-2530

As reported by -

Ross Dames

Fisheries Management Biologist

Ross.Dames@mdc.mo.gov

653 Clinic Road

Hannibal, MO 63401

(573) 248-2530

Anglers fishing for largemouth bass fishing can expect good fishing to continue during 2008. Based on spring 2007 surveys, bass abundance has increased 93% since spring 2005 and 20% since spring 2006. About 30% of the catchable size bass in spring 2007 were at least 15" long, and nearly 9% were at least 18" long.

Crappie fishing during 2008 will be very good, especially during the spring fishing season. Although overall crappie abundance continues to decline due to lower than normal reproduction, good crappie growth and predominately older fish in the population resulted in a 27% increase in the abundance of crappie at least nine inches long from fall 2006 to fall 2007. Nearly six of every ten crappie caught during 2008 should exceed 9 inches long, and three in ten should exceed 10 inches long. Anglers will not have to filter through as many small crappie as they did during many past years.

White bass fishing will remain sporadic. Anglers do best when these fish are spawning on riffles in tributary streams in early spring, or while feeding on schooling shad or congregating over underwater humps during the summer.

Walleye abundance remains low, although anglers continue to report incidental catches. Anglers should also consider walleye fishing in tributary streams of the lake during early spring where walleye abundance has increased due to recent tributary stream stockings.

Catfish anglers can expect good fishing to continue this year. Many flathead catfish exceeding 25 pounds are caught each year on trot lines, bank lines, and jugs. Catfish anglers do best in the upper portions of North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork arms.

Best Bets:  Crappie, largemouth bass, flathead catfish

Click here to return to the fishing report